Hey, Hi, Hello, and welcome!
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAn PHOTOGRAPHER
I'm Rayna! I grew up on a fifth-generation farm in Kansas, studied photography in the Rocky Mountains, and now I live what I like to refer to as my "Hallmark Movie Life," residing in a quaint lakeside town working as a photographer. Life is good!
There's always been a part of me that knew I was put on this earth to make people smile. I took God's call quite literally and turned "creating smiles" into my full-time job! I believe photography is the art of not only capturing life's special moments, but a method of making them, too. In each photography session, I take great care to foster an easygoing environment for a joy-filled experience with real moments.. and real smiles.
By the numbers
9
Years of experience
20+
Publication features
40+
Five star reviews
"From the moment we first reached out to Rayna, her communication was efficient, helpful, and kind. The quality of her work was truly priceless - exceptional and irreplaceable. Rayna went above and beyond to make sure we got all the shots we wanted and that we felt comfortable and had fun throughout the entire process. She is the best wedding photographer we could have asked for, and we are overjoyed with the photos that captured our special day so perfectly. The guest loved her as well, commenting on how sweet she was and she blended in with the dynamic so well."
Past From, Rayna bride, lydia m.
MY INSPIRATION
I feel most myself when I'm in my favorite places- places labeled as "the middle of nowhere." I find beauty and inspiration in these places and take that feeling with me through all of my art.
HOW I GOT HERE
I credit where I was raised as the foundational blocks for my creative journey. Watching my parents outpour the work ethic and faithfulness they did that comes with running a family and a farm has stuck with me through the years and plays a large part in the personal drive I apply to my own life's work.
WHY I DO IT
Photography gives me the opportunity to partake in my favorite things - being introduced to the sweetest people, finding beauty and joy in the small things, and making others smile. I believe photography is a path that allows me to express myself and make art for the good of others.
A love letter to my favorite..
PLACE
The rolling hills at my family farm in Kansas.
PAST TIME
Anything that involves being creative or outdoors. My perfect day includes coffee from my favorite mug, a walk around the neighborhood or by the water, popping into my favorite shops, and painting at home.
SEASON
Spring! I am given so much joy and life when I see the first peeks of green coming through the snow.
SAYING
"I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."
MOVIE
"Stand By Me"
FOOD
Ice cream! A hundred times over, ice cream.
through the years
I was born into an amazing family of fifth-generation farmers in a small town in Kansas. I got to explore endless countryside and be surrounded by hard-working people who loved even harder.
THROUGH THE YEARS
My favorite childhood memories are the ones where I'm surrounded by the expansiveness of the rural area where I grew up. I credit a large part of my creativity to my younger mind that roamed fields with no limit to imagination. Tree houses were built, baby rabbits and ducks were loved on, and miles of creek line were covered.
through the years
All of my younger formative years, I was heavily involved in sports. Through my grade school to high school years, I competed in basketball, volleyball, track, softball, cheerleading, and a competitive weightlifting competition here and there. I started in first grade and still enjoy a good half-court pick-up game.
through the years
I can remember the call to creativity starting before I was ever formally educated in it. I crafted and colored anytime I could as a young kid. I was lucky to have an art program introduced to my school when I became a freshman. From here, I took off in exploring the creative world, attending an art residency in Ireland, obtaining a BA in Studio Art, and having a career in the art/design fields ever since.
through the years
My first exposure to photography was exactly what you'd imagine as a teenage girl who grew up in the beginning of the digital camera and social media age. Many photo shoots were planned with my friends, which evolved into taking my friend's senior portraits.. which somehow evolved into studying photography through digital and film formats at the collegiate level, teaching photography workshops to over three hundred people, and leading me to photograph some pretty incredible moments including the POTUS, the FOX NFL Sunday crew, and gold medalist olympians.
through the years
I graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2020, which I don't recommend a 2020 graduation (or graduating at all, stay a young twenty-something year old for as long as you can) to anyone when you're navigating a pandemic world. From here, I moved to Colorado and lived there for just at five years. The Rocky Mountain region will hold a large space in my heart for the rest of my life.
through the years
I met my now husband in Northern Minnesota while working at a summer camp. Three years later, we got engaged in the same place, on an exact repeat of our first date- riding a pontoon around Gull Lake. Just over a year after that, we said our vows and celebrated at the same summer camp. Safe to say I have a soft spot for Up North!
through the years
My husband and I became homeowners in 2024 and moved to West Michigan. We've since spent most of our time on house renovations (our home is 100+ years old!), becoming frequent visitors at the ice cream shops, and embracing living on the Great Lakes and turning into water people.
What life looks like when I'm not behind a camera :)
